Looking for Quality non-alcoholic wines? Fairtrade non-alcoholic wines are ideal

The month of January is often significant as the time when people abstain from drinking alcohol, to reset their relationship with alcohol and experience long term benefits. 

Co-op is proud to be able to offer two Fairtrade non-alcoholic wines that offer drinkers an alternative that not only tastes good but means better terms of trade for wine producers. 

The world’s largest Fairtrade wine producer, La Riojana, has just launched its first Fairtrade non-alcoholic wine, Tilimuqui Sparkling Zero, which is available to buy at 500 Co-op stores.  

On the palate, wine lovers can expect Tilimuqui to offer fine bubbles, zesty lime and juicy peace aromas, with a balanced sweetness and acidity. It’s the perfect aperitif and ideal for drinking and special occasions. 

La Riojana’s Export Director Walter Carol told That's Christmas: “We believe choosing not to drink alcohol shouldn’t mean compromising on taste or experience. 

"Tilimuqui Zero, in our opinion, makes no such compromise and has been created by us to be enjoyed by wine drinkers and non-wine drinkers alike.” 

 Carol continues, “With the growing demand for mindful drinking and alcohol-free alternatives, Tilimuqui Zero offers great value for money and provides wine lovers with a sophisticated option that compliments modern lifestyles.” 

Edward Robinson, Co-op Buyer, said: “Producing alcohol-free wines which retain the appeal and taste profile of the originals isn't easy, but this sparkling wine from Argentina has managed to do exactly that. 

"Celebrate in style with this elegant, fruit-forward fizz from Argentina, with none of the hangover. And as a Fairtrade product, proceeds from the sale of this wine support the running of a health centre in Argentina, benefitting thousands of people."

Fairtrade Premium is an extra payment on top of the Fairtrade Minimum Price paid to producers; producers decide how to use the payments through a democratically elected committee. 

Producers on Fairtrade wine farms have used their Fairtrade Premium to fund education and childcare initiatives that support children across different ages, from creches and aftercare facilities, to secondary schools, funding school facilities, meals, books, computers and uniforms. 

 La Riojana Co-op’s Tilimuqui Fairtrade Sparkling Zero

Tilimuqui Fairtrade Sparking Zero is a sophisticated 0% alcohol wine that has been made to deliver all the taste, aroma and sense of occasion of wine, without alcohol.  

RRP: £5 

Available from: 500 Co-op stores 

Cognato, South African non-alcoholic wine   

All though not a new wine product, this Cognato Chenin Blanc is a crisp yet fruity wine with hints of pear and freshly cut grass on the nose. It pairs well with seafood dishes, chicken or as a non-alcoholic drink before dinner. 

Celebrating Christmas Beyond the 25th: Christian Communities with Unique Traditions

For many, Christmas is synonymous with the 25th of December. However, not all Christian communities mark the birth of Christ on this date.

Differences in liturgical calendars, cultural traditions, and historical influences have led to variations in the celebration of Christmas. 

Here, we explore some of the communities that observe this sacred holiday on different days and the reasons behind their choices.

Orthodox Christians and the Julian Calendar

One of the most well-known alternative Christmas celebrations occurs on the 7th of January. This date is observed by many Orthodox Christians, including those in Russia, Serbia, Ethiopia, and parts of the Middle East. The reason lies in the calendar used by these communities: the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE. 

When Pope Gregory XIII reformed the calendar in 1582 to better align with the solar year, some Christian groups chose to retain the older Julian calendar for liturgical purposes. As a result, the Julian calendar’s 25th of December corresponds to the Gregorian calendar’s 7th of January.

Armenian Apostolic Church

The Armenian Apostolic Church, one of the oldest Christian denominations, celebrates Christmas on the 6th of January. For Armenians, this day combines both Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany, commemorating Christ’s birth and baptism. This tradition reflects early Christian practices, as Christmas was not universally celebrated on the 25th of December until the 4th century.

Ethiopian and Eritrean Christians

In Ethiopia and Eritrea, where Christianity has deep historical roots, Christmas—known as “Genna”—is celebrated on the 7th of January. Following the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s calendar, the day is marked with unique rituals, such as processions, fasting, and traditional games. The vibrant celebrations highlight the region’s rich Christian heritage.

Coptic Christians in Egypt

Coptic Christians in Egypt also observe Christmas on the 7th of January, adhering to the Julian calendar. The lead-up to Christmas includes a 43-day period of fasting known as the "Holy Nativity Fast," during which believers abstain from animal products. Christmas Eve is marked by a special liturgy, followed by feasting and family gatherings.

Unique Local Traditions

In some Christian communities, Christmas is tied to local customs and calendars. For instance:

Syriac Christians in India: The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church celebrates Christmas on 25th December but incorporates unique rituals influenced by Indian culture.

Old Believers in Russia: This sect, which split from the Russian Orthodox Church in the 17th century, also adheres to the Julian calendar, observing Christmas on 7th January.

Why the Differences Matter

These varied Christmas dates reflect the diversity and richness of global Christianity. They remind us that while the date may differ, the essence of the celebration—honouring the birth of Christ—remains universal. Understanding and respecting these differences can foster greater appreciation for the cultural and spiritual tapestry of the Christian faith.

As the festive season approaches, it’s worth reflecting on how these traditions enrich our collective understanding of Christmas. Whether on the 25th of December, the 7th of January, or the 6th of January, the message of peace, love, and hope transcends time and calendars.

Alcohol free Christmas cocktails with Fever-Tree?

43% of consumers now opting for non-alcoholic alternatives. Fever-Tree's new Cocktail Mixers are perfect to shake up your Christmas drinking by helping you swap your favourite cocktail for a mouthwatering mocktail!

Fever-Tree's cocktail mixers are ideal for creating a super easy mocktail, simply by switching out the spirit for a non-alcoholic version. Fever-Tree recommend Everleaf's non-alcoholic spirits range as a perfect pairing!

Jazz up your Christmas and treat yourself to a booze-free Mojito or Margarita to kick start the New Year in a mindful, indulgent way.

The lineup:  

Fever-Tree Classic Mojito Mixer: Fresh Mexican Limes meet Moroccan Mint for a zesty, refreshing twist. Just add non-alcoholic rum and ice for a mojito masterpiece. 

Fever-Tree Classic Margarita Mixer: Packed with fresh Mexican limes, sweet Italian Blood Orange, and a hint of sea salt. Add a non-alcoholic tequila alternative, shake or stir, and enjoy an authentic margarita.  

Available now at Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, and online at Ocado, for just £4.50.

Say goodbye to the hassle of squeezing limes and adding multiple complex ingredients! Just mix, shake and serve!

How to make the perfect mocktail at home:

Simply add ice to a glass.

Pour in 50ml of your chosen non-alcoholic spirit and top it off with Fever-Tree's mixer.

A quick stir, and it's ready to sip and enjoy. Ideal for an evening with friends or a night in front of the telly during the winter nights.

And don't forget, next month is Dry January and you can ramp up you mocktail mixing abilities then.